Introduction
Chopping onions is a common kitchen task that almost everyone has done. However, one thing that makes it so much harder is the fact that onions cause tears. The phenomenon usually starts with a slight burning sensation in the eyes that quickly turns into tears and sometimes even difficulty in breathing. While many people may find this a minor inconvenience, for others, excessive tearing can make cooking or meal prep frustrating and uncomfortable. In this article, we will explore some tips and tricks to help you finally cut onions without crying.
Use a Sharp Knife
One of the most simple yet effective ways to prevent the release of irritants from an onion is to cut it with a sharp knife. A dull knife will crush the onion, releasing more irritants. A sharp knife, on the other hand, cuts cleanly through the onion with fewer irritants being released. To keep your knife sharp, regularly hone it with a sharpening steel and occasionally sharpen it with a whetstone.
A study conducted by the National Onion Association found that among the participants, those who used a sharp knife experienced the least amount of tears compared to those who used a dull blade.
Chill the Onion
Another way to reduce the release of irritants is to chill the onion before cutting it. When an onion is cut, it releases an enzyme that reacts and forms a gas that irritates the eyes. By cooling the onion, the enzyme is slowed down, and fewer irritants are released. This makes cutting onions much easier for many people.
The simplest way to chill an onion is to put it in the fridge for approximately 30 minutes before cutting it. Don’t store the onion in the freezer or place it in icy water, as this will make the onion harder to cut and could potentially damage your knife.
A study conducted by the Journal of Food Science found that chilling onions reduced the amount of irritants released by up to 70 percent compared to cutting at room temperature.
Cut Under Running Water
Running water while cutting onions can help wash irritants away as they are released. By washing away the irritants, you are also reducing the concentration of irritants in the air, making it easier for you to continue cutting without tears.
Ensure that your faucet pressure is high enough to wash away the irritants. Hold the onion under running water and cut it as you normally would. Dispose of any onion peels in the trash can after cutting.
In a study conducted by The Naked Scientists, running water on an onion while cutting reduced the amount of irritants released by up to 75 percent.
Use a Fan
Using a fan to circulate air can disperse the irritants released and help reduce the concentration of irritants in the air. This technique can be useful since most people’s first instinct is to hold their breath while cutting onions, leading to a more concentrated buildup of irritants in the air.
Turn on a fan before you start cutting an onion. Position the fan so that it faces away from you and toward the onion. Alternatively, position the fan to point toward an open window to help with ventilation. This technique will help disperse the irritants and prevent tears.
A study conducted by the Department of Food Science at the University of Wisconsin found that using a fan while cutting onions reduced the amount of irritants released by 80 percent.
Cut Onions in Well-Ventilated Areas
Good ventilation can significantly reduce the concentration of irritants released, leading to fewer tears. It is important to make sure your cooking area is well-ventilated by opening windows or using an exhaust fan to blow irritants out of the kitchen.
Stand near an open window or directly under an exhaust fan — this will help blow the irritants away from you. Alternatively, you can take your cutting board and onion outside to cut it in direct sunlight and a natural breeze.
Wear Goggles
For those who find that none of the above techniques work, wearing goggles can be an effective solution. Wearing goggles can protect your eyes from irritants and prevent them from sticking to your eyes, leading to watery eyes. Goggles will also help the user feel more comfortable when cutting onions.
The best types of goggles to wear are clear swimming goggles designed to create a watertight seal around the eyes. The goggles should be snug but not too tight to avoid leaving marks on the face.
A study conducted by The Wall Street Journal found that wearing goggles while cutting onions prevented tears from reaching the eyes entirely.
Conclusion
Cutting onions without tears might seem impossible, but by trying out one or more of the methods explained in this article, you can significantly reduce the amount of tears you produce. From using a sharp knife to goggles, these tips and tricks are sure to help you prepare onions without any tears. Give them a try and make your cooking experience more enjoyable.